It takes one to know one, as the saying goes – and South Carolina psychiatrist Ish Major has been one. A cheating man. Which is why Major has written a new, tough-love handbook for women.

It takes one to know one, as the saying goes – and South Carolina psychiatrist Ish Major has been one.

A cheating man.

Which is why Major has written a new, tough-love handbook for women, Little White Whys, aptly described as "a reference book of men's lies" and "an intimate tour of the workings of the male mind."

Sadly, his brusque advice comes a little too late for at least two women who really could have used it – Sarah McQuarrie and Kristen Lucas.

"I tell women all the time, you need to ask tough questions but don't care about the words coming out of his mouth. Care about his actions," says Major, who still regrets a relationship he lost to a lie a decade ago, and now counsels mainly women.

"Pay attention to the classic signs every man shows when he's lying – the raised eyebrows, like he's stunned. The break in eye contact – that's a classic one. Guys will start fidgetting with their hands and rocking back and forth as if they're trying to think on their feet and stand at the same time – and they can't do it."

Stay alert during the getting-to-know-you phase and by the third date start peppering conversations with key questions: Are you married, do you have kids, are you sleeping with anyone else, where do you work and do you have a good relationship with your mom?

"That first one is a light-switch question – it's just on or off, yes or no. If he says, `We're living separate but equal lives,' get up from your chair and jump in the fastest thing on wheels and get out of there."

The relationship with mom speaks volumes about how he views women.

If all he's offering is intimacy in his office, walk out the door. "If a man is really interested in you, he wants you to see his surroundings and be comfortable where he's most comfortable."

Beware of a guy who is single and over 30, unless he has a pretty good excuse, says Major, who blames being 37 and single on 14 years in school and cheating on the love of his life in university.

"Guys will tell you that the best invention has been text messaging. Now you can't hear them stuttering and stammering over their words when they're up to no good, they just have to send you a quick text, although it leaves an evidence trail."

And perhaps his best piece of advice? Listen to mom.

"She's been there and done that, and so have her girlfriends.

"She's got tons of life experience and she's just looking to protect you."

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